title: A 12-week Iyengar yoga program improved balance and mobility in older community-dwelling people: a pilot randomized controlled trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Exercise that challenges balance can improve mobility and prevent falls in older adults. Yoga as a physical activity option for older adults is not well studied. This trial evaluated the feasibility and effect of a 12-week Iyengar yoga program on balance and mobility in older people.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a blinded, pilot randomized controlled trial with intention-to-treat analysis. Participants were 54 community dwellers (mean age 68 years, SD 7.1) not currently participating in yoga or tai chi. The intervention group (n = 27) participated in a 12-week, twice-weekly yoga program focused on standing postures and received a fall prevention education booklet. The control group (n = 27) received the education booklet only. Primary outcome was standing balance component of the short physical performance battery with addition of one-legged stance time (standing balance). Secondary outcomes were the timed sit-to-stand test, timed 4-m walk, one-legged stand with eyes closed, and Short Falls Efficacy Scale-International. Feasibility was measured by recording class attendance and adverse events.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fifty-two participants completed follow-up assessments. The intervention group significantly improved compared with control group on standing balance (mean difference = 1.52 seconds, 95% CI 0.10-2.96, p = .04), sit-to-stand test (mean difference = -3.43 seconds, 95% CI -5.23 to -1.64, p < .001), 4-m walk (mean difference = -0.50 seconds, 95% CI -0.72 to -0.28, p < .001), and one-legged stand with eyes closed (mean difference = 1.93 seconds, 95% CI 0.40-3.46, p = .02). Average class attendance was 20 of 24 classes (83%). No serious adverse events occurred.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This trial demonstrates the balance and mobility-related benefits and feasibility of Iyengar yoga for older people. The fall prevention effect of Iyengar yoga warrants further investigation.
authors.affiliation: The George Institute for Global Health, PO Box M201, Missenden Road, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia. atiedemann@georgeinstitute.org.au
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tiedemann
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: O'Rourke
authors.forename: Romina
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sesto
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sherrington
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D051346:Mobility Limitation; D053580:Muscle Strength; D010349:Patient Compliance; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010865:Pilot Projects; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors; D015013:Yoga / Q000523:psychology
keywords: Accidental falls; Aged; Balance; Mobility.; Yoga